Battle of the Horizon

Ocean 39 Premium GMT Blue Black 500 VS Ocean 42 Premium GMT Blue Black Titanium 500


Into March 2020, where the watch industry is getting the heat with many new models coming out of each manufacturer, from the giants like the Swatch Group brands to independent brands like Squale and Steinhart. However, today we would like to talk more about two timepieces from our German watch company- Steinhart Timepieces, with their Ocean’s Titanium 500 GMT from 2017 and the latest Ocean 39 Premium GMT 500. This will be a valuable comparison between these two, not in contrast on which are better as both packed value as brilliant Swiss Made mechanical tool watches for well below 1000 USD. Yes, you actually can own and rock one of these well built daily beaters for real decent amount of money, and we kid you not.

What are these two pieces about?

Ocean Titanium 500 GMT: The ultimate tool watch.


The Ocean Premium lines have been around for quite a while, which includes the Ocean Premium Blue, Ocean Vintage Premium Dual Time, and the Ocean Titanium series. The Ocean Titanium 500 GMT was built and design by Steinhart to be one of their ultimate professional tool watch that allows one to track up to three time-zones with its rotational two-tone ceramic bezel in horizon colors of black and blue. Yet, it carries the “oceanic” theme that seems well-fitting as built to have tremendous water-resistant of 500m to boot, when the usual suspects are typically between 150-300m tops. Best yet, the watch is 42mm in diameter made out of lightweight durable material in matte grey, yes you guessed it, Titanium. One thing to note, the case-back is made out of steel with an exhibition opening to view the Top grade Swiss GMT movement, which is a treat for its wearer.

The dial aligns the utilitarian built with its all-white markers and “ghost” handset with a blue GMT hand that can be adjusted independently, with additional minute markers on the rehaut that creates a sense of depth when viewed through its domed sapphire crystal. Lastly, buyers of the Ocean Titanium 500 GMT gets the full titanium treat with a solid-end-link titanium bracelet that is lightweight and yet feels sturdy when worn. At a price of around $700USD (at the point of writing), what more could one ask for in a proper Swiss Made tool watch? Quality built.

Ocean 39 GMT Premium 500: Moving forward.


After two years of the Titanium 500 GMT, Steinhart went forward in producing its “Mk 2” variant but now in a modest size of 39mm. With the usage of the 316L stainless steel throughout the watch. You get satin-brushed on the top surfaces and polished sides and back case. The Ocean 39 GMT Premium 500 reigns in the one-watch-fits-all-scenario territory. The modest sizing further verdicts that.

One can match it with formal wears or put it into adventurous situations, the Ocean 39 GMT Premium 500 still packs legibility and durability. Without compromising any of its functionality, it still has its broad handset and markers glowing in the dark around the black matte dial, with ceramic material bezel and GMT function, just like its elder brother clad in Titanium. Furthermore, the movement can be viewed the same way with the 42mm Titanium 500 GMT, through its display case-back, which is a joy for us watch enthusiasts. It retains the practicality while bearing few concessions with classicism in a more modest size.

When to go Titanium or the other?


We have spent a good amount of time with these two models and therefore in a better position to help customers pick the one that suit their needs.

When one has to pick either of the Ocean Premium GMT 500 with the black blue bezel, firstly, we will have to ask ourselves whether the watch fits comfortably on one’s wrists. Second, if both sizes are right, we will move on to what we would put it through in our daily lives; like for instance, if it sees the oceans and beach more often than fine-dining and any formal events, the pro-tool watch in matte Titanium would be a better fit. Besides, the Ocean Titanium 500 Premium GMT is at the sporty side of sizing at 42mm, and it's matte looks reveal a more dynamic personality than its younger 39mm stainless steel brother.

On the other hand, if one finds him or herself wanting an “all-rounder” traveler’s watch with the same incredible water-resistant and built, the Ocean 39 GMT Premium 500 definitely will be our choice. Besides, it has much classism and wearability for most wrist sizes, the Ocean 39 GMT Premium 500 might be a better compliment for collectors on this side of the spectrum.

Is one better than the other?


Therefore, in conclusion of the comparison between the two incredible built Ocean 500 GMTs, we finalized with them both being equally good-looking, balanced in dimensions, well-executed with numerous practical functions, and lastly, similarly valued for our pockets. I further want to point out that each of the two watches, even with their similar styling, bear quite a different philosophy. Each Ocean GMT has the details in the whole nine yards that allow us to set them well apart to make our choices.